Patricia Ann Ingham

Patricia Ann Cecelia Castle-Ingham passed away peacefully at home on Saturday April 6, 2013 in Dartmouth after a brief but courageous battle with esophageal cancer.

Born in Bolton, Lancashire, England on February 4, 1945, to a British mother, Ann Marie (Scanlon) Castle and an Irish father, Noel Charles Castle, Patricia spent her younger years in Northern England.

After obtaining GCSE's and A-levels, Patricia worked a variety of Administrative jobs before training as a Journalist. A member of the British National Union of Journalists she worked in both print and television, becoming the Editor of several newspapers in both England and Canada. A former member of MENSA, Patricia was a big believer in advanced education.

Her training as a Journalist took her around the world, where she saw history change. As a mature student, Patricia obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from Bolton Polytechnic University, while travelling the world with her marine engineer husband and daughter. Through these travels, the family temporarily resided in the USA, Africa and various European countries.

In mid-life, Patricia settled in Canada and turned her attention to renovating properties, farming and woodlot management while pursuing graduate studies at NSCAD. A talented artist she was instrumental in setting up various art organizations and became a liaison and resource person for the province of Nova Scotia.

In later years, Patricia again re-invented herself as an on-line writer, contributing to a variety of news and information websites. Again, her artwork led her to portraiture, and design work. A talented seamstress Patricia could often be found designing and repairing clothing for various friends and neighbours. Philanthropy and social justice were very important to Patricia; in earlier years she had been a volunteer probation officer, and in later years she spent much of her time and energy helping various causes and charities.

A profound lover of nature and animals, Patricia could usually be found in her flower garden with her cats Oskar and Lady Luvs never far away. Deeply religious, and spiritual, Patricia was a gentle soul who could never stand to see anyone in distress or need if she could help. A former polio-survivor, Patricia always strived to keep her physical disability to herself and never complained, instead maintaining a strong sense of humor about her declining ability to walk in later years..

Cremation is taking place at Mattatalls Funeral Home in Dartmouth. By request of the family there will be no service, only a small private gathering at home. Graveside service and internment will follow in Blackpool, England summer of 2013. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA.

Patricia along with her daughter Melissa Dawn wish to thank the following people: Naturopathic Doctors Brian Rade and Dr. Herrington, Oncologists Dr. Dorian Rheume, Dr. Mulroy, Dr. Imiri, Dr. Cwajna, the VON, the Red Cross, and the absolutely fabulous nursing and support staff at the Victoria General Hospital, especially Carmen and Lexie. Further special thanks goes out to Father Yan of St. Anthony's Church, Judy, Nadine, Vivian and Velda and various friends, and neighbours. A special thank you to Trevor Zinck MLA North Dartmouth for his help and kindness during this difficult time.